Meningitis Alert

Up to 2,800 cases of invasive meningococcal disease occur in the U.S. each year. In an effort to combat this disease, the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that those who have not previously received routine conjugate meningococcal vaccine (MCV4), as part of their preadolescent check ups (11-12 years of age) receive another dose before high school entry.


Who should be vaccinated?

All young adolescents and teenagers age 11 years and older who have not been vaccinated at their routine preadolescent visits (11-12 years of age). Please check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Elevated risk groups include:

College freshmen living in dormitories

Military recruits

Persons traveling to foreign countries where meningitis is epidemic

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections.

This disease can have detrimental effects, including loss of limbs, deafness, brain and nervous system failure, and death.


Who should NOT be vaccinated?

Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine or any of the vaccine's components. Please check with your doctor if you suspect that you may be allergic.

Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time of the injection. Please check with your doctor if you are unsure of your condition.

Pregnant women should check with their doctor to determine if vaccination is needed.